Belt and Road scholars embrace traditions, bridge cultures at city’s immersive festival gathering
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Wuxi Polytechnic University students join Qiaolong-hosted cultural exchange to explore local heritage and modern innovation
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WUXI – International students from Belt and Road countries immersed themselves in Duanwu Festival traditions and Wuxi’s contemporary development during a cultural exchange event on Wednesday.
Co-hosted by Wuxi Municipal Qiaolian, Xishan District Qiaolian, and Anting Subdistrict, the Zongxiang Duanwu • Silk Road On the Go • Youth Dialogue saw 10 scholars from Wuxi Polytechnic University explore the city’s dual identity as a heritage hub and innovation-driven economy.
The program began with visits to the Yangtze River Delta (Wuxi) E-bike Cross-border E-commerce Industrial Park and the International Talent Port, where students examined Wuxi’s advancements in new energy industries and global talent attraction strategies.
At Jili Community’s Party Mass Service Center, the festival came alive through cultural lectures on Duanwu’s origins and hands-on zongzi making. Under local residents’ guidance, international learners deftly folded bamboo leaves around glutinous rice, filling the venue with laughter and fragrant steam.
Youth Dialogue Bridges Cultures
During the China-foreign youth exchange forum chaired by Xishan District Qiaolian Chairperson Gu Yan, participants viewed the district’s promotional video See Shine! Xishan! before diving into cross-cultural discussions.
An Anting Subdistrict official underscored the event’s role in building friendship through shared cultural discovery. Three Indonesian students reflected on their experiences:
• John Jordan Christian grinned while noting: These rich traditions and delicious zongzi make me want to help companies connect between China and Indonesia. I’ll bring home not just new tech, but these cultural treasures too.
• Ibnu Azki Rahman shared: My studies here revealed China’s real development story. I’m committed to strengthening our economic and cultural bonds along the Belt and Road.
• Naufal Mushlihin expressed his deepened appreciation for Chinese culture and optimism about career development in China.
Concluding the forum, a Wuxi Qiaolian representative highlighted the gathering’s significance: Beyond cultural immersion, this builds living bridges between youth. We envision these students becoming ambassadors of friendship, driving high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
The event blended ancient customs with modern engagement, demonstrating Wuxi’s vitality as a Belt and Road node city while injecting youthful vigor into its international exchange initiatives.
